Perspective scale video with navigation menu

ABSTRACT

A video system generates a user interface by performing a perspective transition of a video from a first video environment to a second video environment that defines a space and generates a navigation menu in the space.

This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/825,234, filed on Sept. 11, 2006,and entitled “Media Controller Systems And Methods,” the entiredisclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

This disclosure is related to media processing systems and methods.

Media devices, such as digital video receivers and recorders, caninclude multiple functions and capabilities, such as recording andreplaying stored content, receiving broadcast content, browsing andselecting from recorded content and broadcast content, and the like.Often the large number of options and menus available to a user are notpresented to the user in an intuitive manner. Additionally, theassociated control devices, such as remote controls often have manysingle functions and multi function input keys. Such remotes often havemany unintuitive key combinations and sequences that can be difficultfor a user to invoke or remember. The lack of an intuitive userinterface and a similarly uncomplicated control device are often asource of user frustration.

SUMMARY

Disclosed herein are systems and method for generating navigation menusin a video environment. In one example, the navigation menus can includea channels menu, a recordings menu, a browse menu, and a search menu.The navigation menu is displayed next to a video environment that has aperspective scale. The perspective scale can be generated by aperspective transition of a video from a video environment that has adefined aspect ratio.

In one example implementation, video is displayed in a first videoenvironment. In response to a command to generate a navigation menu, thevideo is displayed in a second video environment that is a perspectivescale of the first video environment and that defines a space, and thenavigation menu is generated within the space.

In another example implementation, a video processing system includes avideo input device, a data store, a handheld remote, and a processingdevice. The video input device is configured to receive video data, andthe data store is configured to store in communication with the videoinput device to store the video data. The handheld remote includes arotational input to generate remote control signals. The processingdevice is in communication with the video input device, the data store,and the handheld remote, and is configured to process the video data andremote control signals to display video on a display device in a firstvideo environment. The processing device is also configured to displaythe video in a second video environment that is a perspective scale ofthe first video environment and that defines a space, and generate thenavigation menu within the space in response to a remote control signalgenerated by the handheld remote.

These and other implementations are described in detail below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a block diagram of an example media processing system.

FIG. 1B is a block diagram of another example media processing system.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an example remote control device for amedia processing system.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of another example remote control device for amedia processing system.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an example remote control device for avideo processing system having a docking port.

FIG. 5 is an example network environment 500 in which a media processingsystem in accordance with FIG. 1 may be implemented.

FIG. 6 is another example network environment in which a videoprocessing system in accordance with the system of FIG. 1 may beimplemented.

FIG. 7 is a screenshot of video data displayed in a video environment.

FIG. 8 is a screenshot of video data including an example transport bar.

FIG. 9 is a screenshot of video data that is in a paused mode.

FIG. 10 is a screenshot of video data that is in a forward scrubbingmode.

FIG. 11 is a screenshot of video data that is in a reverse scrubbingmode.

FIG. 12 is a screenshot of video data including an example informationoverlay.

FIG. 13 is a screenshot of video data including an example menu overlay.

FIG. 14 is a screenshot of video data including a record icon.

FIG. 15 is a screenshot of video data including a delete icon.

FIG. 16 is a screenshot of video data including another example menuoverlay.

FIG. 17 is a screenshot of video data displayed in a video environmentand including an example channel navigation menu.

FIG. 18 is a screenshot of an example perspective transition of videodata between a perspective video environment and a full screen videoenvironment.

FIG. 19 is a screenshot of video data including an example videopreview.

FIG. 20 is a screenshot of video data resulting from a selection of achannel menu item.

FIG. 21 is a screenshot of another example channel navigation menu.

FIG. 22 is a screenshot of video data displayed in a video environmentand including an example recording navigation menu.

FIG. 23 is a screenshot of video data including an example folder menuitem selected for highlight displayed in the recording navigation menu.

FIG. 24 is a screenshot of video data including example folder menu itemcontents displayed in the recording navigation menu.

FIG. 25 is a screenshot of video data including an example action menu.

FIG. 26 is a screenshot of another example recording navigation menu.

FIG. 27 is a screenshot of video data displayed in a video environmentand including an example browse navigation menu.

FIG. 28 is a screenshot of video data including an example list ofprograms corresponding to a selected playlist.

FIG. 29 is a screenshot of video data displayed in a video environmentand including an example search navigation menu.

FIG. 30 is a screenshot of video data including search results displayedin the search navigation menu.

FIG. 31 is a screenshot of video data including further search resultsmenu items displayed in the search navigation menu.

FIG. 32 is a screenshot of video data including search results for anexample folder data item.

FIG. 33 is a screenshot of video data including an example action menufor a selected search result.

FIG. 34 is an example state table for received context.

FIG. 35 is an example state table for a transport control state.

FIG. 36 is a flow diagram of an example transport control process.

FIG. 37 is a flow diagram of an example transport control accessprocess.

FIG. 38 is a flow diagram of an example transport control actuationprocess.

FIG. 39 is a flow diagram of an example transport control cessationprocess.

FIG. 40 is an example state table for an onscreen menu state in areceived context.

FIG. 41 is a flow diagram of an example onscreen menu process.

FIG. 42 is a flow diagram of another example onscreen menu process.

FIG. 43 is an example state table for a pause state in a receivedcontext.

FIG. 44 is an example state table for an information overlay state in areceived context.

FIG. 45 is an example state table for a channel list state in a receivedcontext.

FIG. 46 is an example state table for a first recordings list state in areceived context.

FIG. 47 is an example state table for a second recordings list state ina received context.

FIG. 48 is an example state table for a first search state in a receivedcontext.

FIG. 49 is an example state table for a second search state in areceived context.

FIG. 50 is an example state table for a browse state in a receivedcontext.

FIG. 51 is an example state table for a playback state in a playbackcontext.

FIG. 52 is an example state table for a paused state in a playbackcontext.

FIG. 53 is a flow diagram of an example navigation menu process.

FIG. 54 is a flow diagram of an example channels navigation menuprocess.

FIG. 55 is a flow diagram of an example playlist process.

FIG. 56 is a flow diagram of another example playlist process.

FIG. 57 is a flow diagram of an example search menu process.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1A is a block diagram of an example media processing system 100.The media processing system 100 can send and receive media data and datarelated to the media data. The media data can be processed in nearreal-time by a processing device 102 and stored in a data store 104,such as a memory device, for subsequent processing by the processingdevice 102.

In one implementation, the processing system 100 may be used to process,for example, audio data received over one or more networks by aninput/output (I/O) device 106. Such audio data may include metadata,e.g., song information related to the audio data received.

In another implementation, the media processing system 100 may be usedto process, for example, video data received over one or more networksby the I/O device 106. Such video data may include metadata, e.g.,programming information related to the video data received. The videodata and related metadata may be provided by a single provider, or maybe provided by separate providers. In one implementation, the I/O devicecan be configured to receive video data from a first provider over afirst network, such as a cable network, and receive metadata related tothe video data from a second provider over a second network, such as awide area network (WAN).

In another implementation, the media processing system 100 may be usedto process both audio data and video data received over one or morenetworks by the I/O device 106. The audio data and video data caninclude corresponding metadata as described above.

The media processing system 100 can present the video data in one ormore contexts, such as a received/broadcast context and arecording/playback context. Processing video data in thereceived/broadcast context can include processing broadcast video datathat is either live, e.g., a sporting event, or pre-recorded, e.g., atelevision programming event. In the received context, the data store104 may buffer the received video data. In one implementation, the videodata can be buffered for the entire program. In another implementation,the video data can be buffered for a time period, e.g., twenty minutes.In another implementation, the data store 104 and the processing device102 buffer the video data during user-initiated event, such as during apause. Thus, when the user resumes normal viewing, the video data isprocessed from the pause time.

Processing video data in the recording/playback context can includeprocessing video data that is played back from a recording stored on thedata store 104. In another implementation, processing video data in theplayback context can include processing video data that is stored on aremote data store and received over a network, such as a cable network.In both playback implementations the media processing system 100 mayperform playback processes such as play, pause, fast forward, rewind,etc.

In one implementation, the media processing system 100 includes a remotecontrol device 108. The remote control 108 can include a rotationalinput device 109 configured to sense touch actuations and generateremote control signals therefrom. The touch actuations can includerotational actuations, such as when a user touches the rotational inputdevice 109 with a digit and rotates the digit on the surface of therotational input device 109. The touch actuations can also include clickactuations, such as when a user presses on the rotational input device109 with enough pressure to cause the remote control device 108 to sensea click actuation.

In one implementation, the functionality of the media processing system100 is distributed across several engines. For example, the mediaprocessing system 100 may include a controller engine 110, a userinterface (UI) engine 112, a recording engine 114, a channel engine 116,a browse engine 118, and a search engine 120. The engines may beimplemented in software as software modules or instructions, hardware,or in a combination of software and hardware.

The control engine 110 is configured to communicate with the remotecontrol 108 by a link, such as a wireless infrared signal or radiofrequency signal. The remote control 108 can transmit remote controlsignals generated from touch actuations of the rotational input device109 to the control engine 110 over the link. In response, the controlengine 110 is configured to receive the remote controls signals andgeneral control signals in response. The control signals are provided tothe processing device 102 for processing.

The control signals generated by the control engine 110 and processed bythe processing device 102 may invoke one or more of the UI engine 112,recording engine 114, channel engine 116, browse engine 118, and searchengine 120. In one implementation, the UI engine 112 manages a userinterface to facilitate data presentation to a user and functionalprocessing in response to user inputs for the recording engine 114,channel engine 116, browse engine 118 and search engine 120. Forexample, the UI engine 112 may manage perspective transactions of videodata from a first presentation state, such as a full screen display ofvideo, to a second presentation state, such as a perspective display ofvideo. The UI engine 112 can also manage the generation of navigationmenu items for population by the recording engine 114, channel engine116, browse engine 118 and search engine 120. Processed media data,e.g., audio data and/or video data, can be provided to an output device.e.g., a television device, through the I/O device 106 or by a directlink. e.g., an S-video input, to the processing device 102. Example UIscreenshots are shown in FIGS. 7-33 below.

In another implementation, the recording engine 114, channel engine 116,browse engine 118, and search engine 120 are controlled through the UIengine 112. Accordingly, the processing device 102 communicates controlsignals to the UI engine 112, which then selectively invokes one or moreof the recording engine 114, channel engine 116, browse engine 118, andsearch engine 120. Other control architectures and functionalallocations can also be used.

In one implementation, the recording engine 114 manages recordingrelated functions, such as recording video data, playing back videodata, and the like. The channel engine 116 manages channel selectionrelated functions, such as generating channel menu items, generatingpreviews, and the like. The browse engine manages browse relatedfunctions, such as storing playlists and the like. The search engine 120manages search related functions, such as performing metadata searchesand presenting the search results.

The media processing system 100 of FIG. 1 can also implement differentfunctional distribution architectures that have additional functionalblocks or fewer functional blocks. For example, the channel andrecording engines 114 and 116 can be implemented in a single functionalblock, and the browse and search engines 118 and 120 can be implementedin another functional block. Alternatively, all of the engines can beimplemented in a single monolithic functional block.

In one implementation, the media processing system 100 includes adocking port 122 that is configured to receive the remote control device108. The remote control device 122 can include a rechargeable powersystem and thus be recharged while docked in the docking port 122. Inanother implementation, the docking port 122 can include a datacommunication channel, such as a universal serial bus (USB), and theremote control device 108 can include a data store and a display device.In this implementation, the remote control device 108 can store videoprograms downloaded from the media processing system 100. The storedvideo programs can later be played back and displayed on the display onthe remote control device 108. For example, if a user of the mediaprocessing system 100 desires to view a recorded program at a remotelocation, e.g. while in flight during travel, the user may download therecorded program onto the remote control device 108 and take the remotecontrol device 108 to the remote locations for remote viewing.

FIG. 1B is a block diagram of another example media processing system101. In this example implementation, the processing device 102, datastore 104, I/O device 106, recording engine 114, channel engine 116,browse engine 118 and search engine 120 communicate over a network, suchas a wired or wireless network, e.g., an 802.11g network. The processingdevice 102, which can include the controller engine 110 and the UIengine 112, can, for example, be implemented as a wireless networkdevice that can be positioned near an output device, such as atelevision. For example, the processing device 102, controller engine110 and the UI engine 112 can be implemented in a hardware device thatcan be placed atop or next to a television device and connected to thetelevision device by one or more data cables.

The I/O device 106 can receive media data, e.g., audio and/or videodata, from a data source, e.g., a wide area network, such as theInternet, a cable modem, or satellite modem. The data store 104,recording engine 114, channel engine 116, browse engine 118 and searchengine 120 can be implemented in one or more processing devices in wiredor wireless communication with the I/O device. For example, a computingdevice can be used to implement the recording engine 114, channel engine116, browse engine 118 and search engine 120, and the computing devicemay be conveniently located in a location remote from an entertainmentcenter to reduce clutter. In this example implementation, the processingdevice 102 may also include a local data store 105 to buffer and/orstore video and audio data received from the data store 104 or the I/Odevice 106. Furthermore, multiple hardware devices implementing theprocessing device 102, controller engine 110, and U/I engine 112 can bepositioned near other output devices within communication range of theI/O device 106.

Other distribution architectures and schemes can also be used. Forexample, the processing device 102, data store 104 U/I engine 112,recording engine 114, channel engine 116, browse engine 118 and searchengine 120 can be implemented in a first processing device, and the asecond processing device that includes the data store 105 and thecontroller engine 110 can be positioned next to an output device, suchas a television.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an example remote control device 200 for amedia processing system. The remote control device 200 can be used toimplement the remote control 108 of FIGS. 1A and 1B. The remote controldevice 200 includes a rotational input device 202, a processing device204, and a wireless communication subsystem 206. The rotational inputdevice 202 defines a surface that can sense a touch actuation, such asthe presence of a finger on the surface, and can further generate acontrol signal based on a rotation of the finger on the surface. In oneimplementation, a touch sensitive array is disposed beneath the surfaceof the rotational input device 202. The touch sensitive array can bedisposed according to polar coordinates, i.e., r and Θ, or can bedisposed according to Cartesian coordinates, i.e., x and y.

The surface 202 can also include areas 210, 212, 214, 216 and 218 thatare receptive to press actuations. In one implementation, the areasinclude a menu area 210, a reverse/previous area 212, a play/pause area214, a forward/next area 216, and a select area 218. The areas 210, 212,214, 216 and 218, in addition to generating signals related to theirdescriptive functionality, can also generate signals to support thefunctionality of dismissing an onscreen user interface, and theplay/pause area 214 can generate signals to support the function ofdrilling down into a hierachal user interface. In one implementation,the areas 210, 212, 214, 216 and 218 comprise buttons disposed beneaththe surface of the rotational input device 202. In anotherimplementation, the areas 210, 212, 214, 216 and 218 comprise pressuresensitive actuators disposed beneath the surface of the rotational inputdevice 202.

A processing device 204 is configured to receive the signals generatedby the rotational input device 202 and generate corresponding remotecontrol signals in response. The remote control signals can be providedto the communication subsystem 206, which can wirelessly transmit theremote control signals to the media processing system 100.

Although shown as comprising a circular surface, in anotherimplementation, the rotational input device 202 can comprise arectangular surface, a square surface, or some other shaped surface.Other surface geometries that accommodate pressure sensitive areas andthat can sense touch actuations may also be used, e.g., an oblong area,an octagon area, etc.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of another example remote control device 300for a media processing system. The remote control device 300 can be usedto implement the remote control 108 of FIGS. 1A and 1B. The elements302, 304, 306, 308, 310, 312, 314, 316 and 318 of the remote controldevice 300 is similar to the elements 202, 204, 206, 208, 210, 212, 214,216 and 218 of the remote control device 200. The control device 300also includes a data store 320, a display device 322, and an audiodevice 324. In one implementation, the data store comprises a harddrive, the display device 322 comprises a liquid crystal (LCD) display,and the audio device 324 comprises audio I/O subsystem including anoutput jack for a hearing device. Other data store devices, displaydevices, and audio devices may also be used.

The remote control device 300 provides the same functionality as theremote control device 200, and also provides additional functionality byuse of the data store 320, the display device 322, and the audio device324. For example, the remote control device 300 can display programinformation on the display device 322 for a television program that iscurrently being received by the media processing system 100, or candisplay recording information on the display device 322 for a recordingthat is currently being played back by the media processing system 100.Thus, a user can conveniently glance at the remote control device 300 toreview the program information rather than activate an on-screeninformation overlay. The remote control device 300 can also provideadditional functionality, such as providing portable media playerprocessing functions.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an example remote control device 400 for amedia processing system 100 having a docking port 432. The remotecontrol device 400 can be used to implement the remote control 108 ofFIGS. 1A and 1B. The elements 402, 404, 406, 408, 410, 412, 414, 416,418, 420, and 422 of the remote control device 400 are similar to theelements 302, 304, 306, 308, 310, 312, 314, 316, 318, 320, and 322 ofthe remote control device 300. The remote control device 400 alsoincludes a rechargeable power device 426 and a dock I/O device 430. Thedock I/O device 430 is configured to be received by the docking port 432on a video device 440. The video device 440 can perform the describedfunctionality of the media processing systems 100 or 101 of FIGS. 1A or1B, and display video data on an output device, such as a television450.

The dock I/O device 430 and docking port 432 can include a data couplingand can optionally include a power coupling. The rechargeable powersystem 426 can be recharged while the remote control device 400 isdocked in the docking port 432. The remote control device 400 can storevideo programs and/or audio files downloaded form the video device 440.The stored video programs and audio files can later be played back anddisplayed on the display 422 and/or listened to through use of the audiodevice 424.

In one implementation, the remote control device 400 can provide thefunctionality of the UI engine 112, recording engine 114, channel engine116, browse engine 118, and search engine 120. For example, program datafor upcoming programs, e.g., for the next month, can be downloaded andstored on the remote control device 400. Thereafter, a user of theremote control device 400 can search programs that are to be broadcastand determine which programs to record. The recording settings can beprogrammed onto the remote control device 400, and then be provided tothe video device 440 when a data communication is established betweenthe remote control device 400 and the video device 440. The datacommunication may be established through the wireless communicationsubsystem 406 or the dock I/O device 430 and docking port 432.Thereafter, the specified programs are recorded by the video device 440.For example, a user may download programming data for the next fourweeks, and while at a remote location determine what programs to record,e.g., during a commute on a train. Thus, when the user arrives home, theuser can place the remote control device 400 within the vicinity of thevideo device 440 or within the docking port 432, and the recording datais downloaded into the video device 440. Thereafter the specifiedprograms are recorded.

FIG. 5 is an example network environment 500 in which a media processingsystem in accordance with FIGS. 1A or 1B may be implemented. A mediadevice 502, such as the media processing system 100, receives user inputthrough a remote device 504, such as the remote 108, and processed mediadata for output on an output device 506. In one implementation, themedia device 502 is a video device, an the media data is a video data.The media data is received through a network 508. The network 508 mayinclude one or more wired and wireless networks. The media data isprovided by a content provider 510. In one implementation, the mediadata may be provided from several content providers 510 and 512. Forexample, the content provider 510 may provide media data that isprocessed and output through the output device 506, and the contentprovider 512 may provide metadata related to the media data and forprocessing by the media device 502. Such metadata may include broadcasttimes, artist information, and the like.

In one implementation, the media data is video data and the metadata isvideo programming information, such as broadcast times, cast members,program trivia, and the like. A set of video data can thus be identifiedas a video event, e.g., a series episode broadcast, a sporting eventbroadcast, a news program broadcast, etc. The video events can bepresented to the user through event listings, e.g., menu items listingprogramming information, channels and times.

FIG. 6 is another example network environment 540 in which a videoprocessing system in according with the system of FIGS. 1A or 1B may beimplemented. A video device 542, such as the media processing system100, receives user input through a remote control device 544, such asremote control device 108, and processes video data for output on atelevision device 546. Video data and associated metadata are receivedby a set top box 548 through a network 550 from a video provider 552 anda metadata provider 554. The video device 542 is configured tocommunicate with the set top box 548 to receive video data and theassociated metadata. The set top box 548 can be a digital cableprocessing box provided by a digital cable provider, e.g., videoprovider 552 and/or metadata provider 554.

FIG. 7 is a screenshot 700 of video data displayed in a videoenvironment 702. The screenshot 700 can be generated, for example, bythe processing device 102 and the UI engine 112 of FIGS. 1A and 1B. Thevideo environment 702 can include the full-screen display of video datathat is either received from a broadcast in a received context or playedback from a recording in a playback context. The video environment 702thus is a normal view context. The screenshot 700 shows a single frameof video data from a television broadcast.

FIG. 8 is a screenshot 720 of video data including an example transportbar 722. The screenshot 720 can be generated, for example, by theprocessing device 102 and the UI engine 112 of FIGS. 1A and 1B. A stateindicator 724 indicates the state of video processing (e.g.playing/receiving, fast forward, reverse, etc.). A first time field 726indicates the time that the displayed program began. In oneimplementation, the time indicator indicates the time a broadcast beganfor broadcast programs, and indicates a default time (e.g., 00:00:00)for recorded programs or recordings.

A duration bar 728 represents the full length of a television programfor recording. A buffer bar 730 represents the amount of the programstored in a buffer for television programs received during a receivedstate. In one implementation, the buffer bar 730 expands to encompassthe duration bar 728 for recorded programs when displayed in a playbackstate, as the entire duration of the program is recorded. A positionindicator 732 represents the current asset time, e.g., the time that thecurrently displayed video data was broadcast or a time index in arecording. A second time field 734 represents the time a program isscheduled to end for a broadcast in a received context, or the durationof a recording in a recording/playback context.

In one implementation, the transport 722 is generated by pressing theplay/pause area on the remote control device 108, which causes the videoto pause.

FIG. 9 is a screenshot 740 of video data that is in a paused mode. Thescreenshot 740 can be generated, for example, by the processing device102 and the UI engine 112 of FIGS. 1A or 1B. The state indicator 724 inthe transport bar 722 is a paused symbol. In the received context, thebuffer bar 730 will expand to the right as a data store continues tobuffer received video data while paused.

FIG. 10 is a screenshot 760 of video data that is in a forward scrubbingmode. The screenshot 760 can be generated, for example, by theprocessing device 102 and the UI engine 112 of FIGS. 1A or 1B. The stateindicator 724 in the transport bar 722 shows a fast forward symbol. Inthe received context, the position indicator 732 advances within thebuffer bar 730 during forward scrubbing when the video data is beingprocessed at a rate that is faster than the rate at which the video datais being received, e.g., 2×, 4×, etc.

In one implementation, the forward scrubbing state is invoked bypressing the forward area on the remote control device 108, and thevideo data advances at one of a plurality of fixed rates, e.g., 1/2×,2×, 4×, etc. In one implementation, the fixed rates may be selected byrepeatedly pressing the forward area on the remote control device.

In another implementation, providing a rotational input on therotational input device (e.g., moving a fingertip on the surface of therational input device in a circular motion) of the remote control device108 causes the video processing device to access the stored video dataat a rate substantially proportional to the rate of the rotationalinput. The rate may be proportioned according to a functionalrelationship, such as a function of the rate of a rotational actuation.The functional relationship may be linear or non-linear. For example, aslow rotation can scrub the video data slowly, e.g., advanceframe-by-frame, while a fast rotation will scrub much more quickly. Inone implementation, the scrub rate is nonlinear in proportion to therotation rate. For example, the scrub rate may be exponentiallyproportional to the rate of the rotational input, or logarithmicallyproportional to the rotational input. In one implementation, a clockwiserotation causes the video data to be scrubbed forward, and acounterclockwise rotation causes the video data to be scrubbed inreverse.

In another implementation, a rotational input is determined by anangular deflection from a reference position. For example, if astationary touch actuation exceeds an amount of time, e.g., fiveseconds, then the position of the finger on the rotational input isstored as a reference position. Thereafter, rotation of the finger awayfrom the reference point generates a rotation signal that isproportional to the amount of angular deflection. For example, arotation of less than 10 degrees can generate a frame-by-frameadvancement or reverse; a rotation of 10 degrees to 20 degrees cangenerate a 1× advancement or reverse; a rotation of 20 degrees to 30degrees can generate a 2× advancement or reverse; etc. Otherproportional relationships can also be used, e.g., a linear ornon-linear proportionality with respect to the angular displacement.

FIG. 11 is a screenshot 780 of video data that is in reverse scrubbingmode. The screenshot 780 can be generated, for example, by theprocessing device 102 and the UI engine 112 of FIGS. 1A or 1B. The stateindicator 724 in the transport bar 722 is a reverse symbol. In thereceived context, the position indicator 732 retreats within the bufferbar 730 during the reverse state.

In one implementation, the reverse state is invoked by pressing thereverse area on the remote control device 108, and the video data isprocessed in reverse at one of a plurality of fixed rates, e.g., 1/2×,2×, 4×, etc. The fixed rates may be selected by repeatedly pressing thereverse area on the remote control device.

FIG. 12 is screenshot 800 of video data including an example informationoverlay 802. The screenshot 800 can be generated, for example, by theprocessing device 102 and the UI engine 112 of FIGS. 1A or 1B. Theinformation overlay 802 provides information regarding the video datacurrently being viewed in the received context or the playback context.In one implementation, the information overlay 802 is invoked bypressing the select area of the rotational input device on the remotecontrol device 108. In one implementation, the information overlay 802fades out after a time period, e.g., 15 seconds.

FIG. 13 is a screenshot 820 of video data including an example menuoverlay 822. The screenshot 820 can be generated, for example, by theprocessing device 102 and the UI engine 112 of FIGS. 1A or 1B. In oneimplementation, the menu overlay 822 defines a translucent regionthrough which the video data can be maintained. A plurality of icons 824can be generated in the menu overlay 822. In one implementation, iconreflections 826 are also generated within the menu overlay. The menuoverlay 822 can be generated by pressing the menu area on the rotationalinput device 109 of the remote control device 108.

In one implementation, the icons include a home icon 828, a recordingsnavigation icon 830, a channels navigation icon 832, a browse navigationicon 834, and a search navigation icon 836. Additionally, one or morecontext-dependent icons may be generated within the menu overlay. Forexample, a record icon 838 can be generated in the received context toallow a user to record video data that is recently being received. Inone implementation, the menu overlay 822 may also delimitcontext-dependent icons. For example, a bar 839 delimits the record icon830 from the navigation icons, 830, 832, 834 and 836.

Highlighting an icon can be indicated by enlarging the size of the iconand generating a textual description atop the enlarged icon. Forexample, the recordings icon 830 is highlighted in FIG. 13. In oneimplementation, each icon 824 may be highlighted by use of therotational input device 109 on the remote control device 108 tohighlight icons in a right-to-left or left-to-right manner.

Pressing the select area on the rotational input device 109 on theremote control device 108 can select the icon to instantiate a relatedprocess. For example, selection of the home icon 828 can exit a videoprocessing environment and return a user to a computing environment ormultimedia processing environment if the video processing device isimplemented in a personal computer device. Selection of the recordingsnavigation icon 830 can generate a recordings navigation menu populatedby recording menu items. Selection of the channels navigation icon 832can generate a channels navigation menu populated by channel menu items.Selection of the browse navigation icon 834 can generate a browsenavigation menu populated by playlist items. Selection of the searchnavigation icon 836 can generate a search navigation menu.

FIG. 14 is a screenshot 840 of video data including the record icon 838.The screenshot 840 can be generated, for example, by the processingdevice 102 and the UI engine 112 of FIGS. 1A or 1B. In FIG. 13, thevideo data displayed in the video environment is a received broadcast,and thus the video data is displayed in a received context. Accordingly,the context-dependent icon generated is the record icon 838. Thecontext-dependent icon may also change as the result of selection. Forexample, if the highlighted record icon 838 is selected, the record icon838 may be replaced by a “Stop” icon to stop recording.

FIG. 15 is a screenshot 860 of video data including a delete icon 862.The screenshot 860 can be generated, for example, by the processingdevice 102 and the UI engine 112 of FIGS. 1A or 1B. In FIG. 13, thevideo data displayed in the video environment is a playback of arecorded program, and thus the video data is displayed in a playbackcontext. Accordingly, the context-dependent icon generated is the deleteicon 862, the selection of which will delete from memory the recordedprogram current being displayed in the video environment 702.

FIG. 16 is a screenshot 880 of video data including another example menuoverlay 882. The screenshot 880 can be generated, for example, by theprocessing device 102 and the UI engine 112 of FIGS. 1A or 1B. In thisimplementation, the video data is displayed in another video environment884 that is a scaled version (e.g., substantially linearly scaled) ofthe video environment 702, and defines a space 886 in which the menuoverlay 882 is displayed. The video environment 884 may be generated bya transition from video environment 702, e.g., a fixed-scale shrinkingof the video from the video environment 702 to the video environment 884over a relatively short time period, e.g., one second. In oneimplementation, a reflection of the video environment 884 may be shownin the space 886. In all other respects the menu overlay 882 and iconfunctions are the same as described with respect to FIG. 13.

FIG. 17A is a screenshot 900 of video data displayed in a videoenvironment 902 and including an example channel navigation menu 904.The screenshot 900 can be generated, for example, by the processingdevice 102, the UI engine 112, and the channel engine 116 of FIGS. 1Aand 1B. The channel navigation menu 904 can be generated, for example,by selecting the channels icon 832 in the menu overlay 822. In thisimplementation, the video environment 902 is a perspective scale of thevideo environment 702 and can be generated by a perspective transitionfrom the video environment 702 to the video environment 902. Forexample, the UI engine 112 may render the video data so that it appearsthat the video image rotates on an axis defined by, for example, theleft side 906 of the video environment, which causes the right side 908of the video environment 902 to rotate in depth and define a space 910.The video environment 902 is thus a perspective view context.

In one implementation, the channels menu 904 can be generated in asimilar manner. For example, the channel menu items 912 may appear torotate on an axis defined by the right side 914 of the menu items 912,which causes the left side 916 of the channel menu items 912 to rotateinto the space 910.

FIG. 18 is a screenshot 930 of another example perspective transition932 of video data between a perspective video environment 902 and fullscreen video environment 702. The screenshot 930 can be generated, forexample, by the processing device 102, the UI engine 112, and thechannel engine 116 of FIGS. 1A or 1B. The video data in the videoenvironment 932 is rendered to appear to rotate about an approximateaxis 933. Likewise, the navigation menu 934 is rendered to appear torotate about an approximate axis 935. Other processes to generate thevideo environment 902 and the channels menu 904 may also be used.

Each channel menu item 912 shown in FIG. 17A can include a program titleand channel. In one implementation, a highlighted channel menu 918includes additional information, such as a program category (e.g. talk,drama, news, etc.), a program start time, and a program duration. Thehighlighted channel menu item 918 can also include a glow highlight 920.In one implementation, the glow highlight 920 provides the appearance ofa backlit surface beneath the channel menu item, as shown in FIG. 17B.

A highlight selection of a channel menu item indicates that the channelmenu item is eligible for a further selection action, e.g., eligible tobe selected by actuating the select area on the rotational input device109. Upon the further selection, a process associated with thehighlighted menu item is performed, e.g., changing a channel.

In one implementation, a rotational input to the rotational input device109 or the remote control device 108 causes the channel menu items 912to scroll up or down. For example, a clockwise rotational input causesthe channel menu items 912 to scroll down, and a counterclockwiserotational input causes the channel menu items to scroll up. In oneimplementation, the channel menu item 918 near the center of the space910 is highlighted; thus, as the channel menu items move up or down, thehighlighted channel menu item 918 changes to a different channel menuitem for selection.

FIG. 19 is a screenshot 940 of video data including an example videopreview 944. The screenshot 940 can be generated, for example, by theprocessing device 102, the UI engine 112, and the channel engine 116 ofFIGS. 1A or 1B. In one implementation, the video preview 944 isgenerated after the channel menu item 918 remains highlighted for aperiod of time, e.g., several seconds. In another implementation, thevideo preview 944 is generated after the channel menu item 918 ishighlighted and at the cessation of a touch actuation (e.g., the liftingof a finger off the rotational input device 109 of the remote controldevice 108). The video preview 944 can be generated, for example, byexpanding the channel menu item 918 vertically. In thereceived/broadcast context, the video preview 944 can include the videodata of the program currently being broadcast on the channelcorresponding to the highlighted channel menu item 918. In oneimplementation, if the channel corresponding to the highlighted channelmenu item 918 is the same as the channel being presented in the videoenvironment 902, then a previous 944 is not generated.

Pressing the select area on the rotation input of the remote controldevice 108 changes the channel to the channel corresponding to thehighlighted channel menu item 918. FIG. 20 is a screenshot 960 of videodata resulting from a selection of a channel menu item 918 of FIG. 19.The screenshot 960 can be generated, for example, by the processingdevice 102, the UI engine 112, and the channel engine 116 of FIGS. 1A or1B. In this implementation, when a channel menu item is selected,presentation of the video data reverts to a full screen videoenvironment 702 with an initial information overlay 802. The informationoverly 802 can fade after a time period.

In another implementation, presentation of the video data remains in theperspective video environment 902 when a channel menu item is selected.The presentation may be changed back to the full screen videoenvironment 702 upon a user selection, e.g., pressing the menu area onthe rotational input of the remote control device 108.

FIG. 21 is a screenshot 980 of another example channel navigation menu982. The screenshot 980 can be generated, for example, by the processingdevice 102, the UI engine 112, and the channel engine 116 of FIGS. 1Aand 1B. The channel navigation menu 982 can be generated by pressing theforward/next area on the rotational input of the remote control device108 when viewing the channel navigation menu 904 adjacent theperspective video environment 902. For example, pressing theforward/next area on the rotational input of the remote control device108 when viewing a screen such as the screenshot 900 of FIG. 17A cancause the channel navigation menu 982 to be generated. The channelnavigation menu 982 can include a network column 984 that listsbroadcast networks and programming columns 986 that list broadcastprograms. A centrally disposed channel menu item 988 can be highlightedby a background highlight 990, i.e., the highlight remains in the centeras the channel menu items scroll up or down. In one implementation, thebackground highlight 988 is limited to highlighting a broadcast programcurrently being broadcast.

FIG. 22 is a screenshot 1000 of video data displayed in a videoenvironment 902 and includes an example recording navigation menu 1002.The screenshot 1000 can be generated, for example, by the processingdevice 102, the UI engine 112, and the recording engine 114 of FIGS. 1Aor 1B. The recording navigation menu 1002 can be generated, for example,by selecting the recordings icon 830 in the menu overlay 822. In thisimplementation, the video environment 902 is a perspective scale of thevideo environment 702 and can be generated by a perspective transitionfrom the video environment 702 to the video environment 902 in a similarmanner as described with respect to FIG. 17A. Likewise, the recordingmenu 1002 can be generated in a similar manner in the space 1012.

The recording menu items 1016 can include information for a singlerecording or information for a collection of recordings. For example,the recording menu items 1004 and 1008 include information for onerecorded television program each, while the recording menu item 1010stores information for 16 recorded items, as indicated by the foldermenu item 1010.

In one implementation, a highlighted recording menu item 1004 includesadditional information, such as a program episode title, a programduration, and the date the program was recorded. The highlightedrecording menu item 1004 can also include a glow highlight 1006. In oneimplementation, the flow highlight provides the appearance of a backlitsurface beneath the highlighted recording menu item 1004. A highlightedrecording menu item can be selected by pressing the selection area onthe rotational input device 109 of the remote control device 108.

In one implementation, a rotational input to the rotational input device109 or the remote control device 108 causes the recording menu items1016 to scroll up or down. For example, a clockwise rotational inputcauses the recording menu item 1004 to scroll down, and acounterclockwise rotational input causes the recording menu item 1004 toscroll up. In another implementation, the highlighted menu item scrollsup or down accordingly, as shown in FIG. 21, in which the top recordingmenu item 1004 is highlighted.

In one implementation, a video preview 1014 is generated after therecording menu item 1004 remains highlighted for a period of time, e.g.,several seconds. In another implementation, the video preview 1014 isgenerated after the recording menu item is highlighted and at thecessation of a touch actuation (e.g., the lifting of a finger off therotational input device 109 of the remote control device 108). The videopreview 1014 can be generated, for example, by expanding the recordingmenu item 1004 vertically.

In the received/broadcast context, the video environment 902 cancontinue to display received video data. In the recording/playbackcontext, the video environment 902 can continue to display a currentrecording that is being played back. In one implementation, if thehighlighted recording menu item 1004 corresponds to the currentrecording displayed in the video environment 902, then a preview 1014 isnot generated. In another implementation, the preview 1014 can belimited to only a portion of the recorded video event, e.g., the firstfew minutes of the recorded video event.

In another implementation, a recording menu item may include informationrelated to a playlist, such as the example playlists described withrespect to FIG. 29 below. For example, if a playlist is entitled“Kathy's Favs,” then a recording menu item may likewise be entitled“Kathy's Favs.” The recording menu item may provide information for asingle stored program, if only one recorded program is stored, or mayprovide information for a collection of stored programs, if multipleprograms are stored.

FIG. 23 is a screenshot 1020 of video data including an example foldermenu item selected for highlight in the recording navigation menu 1002.The screenshot 1020 can be generated, for example, by the processingdevice 102, the UI engine 112, and the recording engine 114 of FIGS. 1Aor 1B. The recording menu item 1010 is highlighted, as indicated by theglow highlight 1006. In one implementation, additional information isdisplayed in a recording menu when the recording menu is highlighted.For example, the highlighted recording menu item 1010 includesadditional information related to a category, i.e., “Comedy.”

In one implementation, the highlighting of a recording menu item thatcorresponds to a collection of recordings does not generate a videopreview. In another implementation, the highlighting of a recording menuitem that corresponds to a collection of recordings generates briefvideo previews of each recoded television program. For example, thehighlighted folder menu item 1010 corresponds to a collection of 16recorded programs; accordingly, video previews for each of the 16recorded programs can be generated in the recording menu item 1010. Thevideo previews can be presented, for example, in chronological order, orin a random order, or in some other order.

FIG. 24 is a screenshot 1030 of video data including example foldercontents, e.g. additional recording menu items 1032, displayed in therecording navigation menu 1002. The screenshot 1030 can be generated,for example, by the processing device 102, the UI engine 112, and therecording engine 114 of FIGS. 1A or 1B. The example folder contents 1032of FIG. 23 are generated in the recording navigation menu 1002 byselecting the highlighted folder menu item 1010 of FIG. 23. A selectioncan be made by pressing the selection area on the rotational inputdevice 109 of the remote control device 108. The example folder contents1032 as shown are recording menu items corresponding to recordedtelevision programs. The folder contents 1032 may also include foldermenu items corresponding to additional collections of recordings. In oneimplementation, the first menu item 1034 in the folder contents 1032 ishighlighted by default, as indicated by the flow highlight 1006.

In another implementation, the folder items menu items in the recordingnavigation menu 1002 can also include menu items related to audiorecordings. For example, a first menu item can be related to a recordedmovie, and a second menu item can be a folder menu item that includesaudio menu items that related to songs for a soundtrack related to themovie.

FIG. 25 is a screenshot 1050 of video data including an example actionmenu 1052. The screenshot 1050 can be generated, for example, by theprocessing device 102, the UI engine 112, and the recording engine 114of FIGS. 1A or 1B. Selecting a recording menu item corresponding to arecorded program displays the action menu 1052 for the recording. Theaction menu 1052 includes information about the recorded program, andincludes a play icon 1054, a record all icon 1056, a related icon 1058,and a trash icon 1060.

The icons 1054, 1056, 1058 and 1060 may be navigated and selected by useof the rotational input device 109 and select area thereon of the remotecontrol device 108. Selecting the play icon 1054 cause the recordedprogram to be played. In one implementation, the video environmentreverts from the perspective scale video environment 902 to the fullscreen video environment 702 when a play icon 1054 is selected, andvideo data for the recorded program is presented in the full-screenvideo environment 702. In another implementation, presentation of thevideo data remains in the perspective video environment 902 when theplay icon 1054 is selected. The presentation may be changed back to thefull screen video environment 702 upon a user selection, e.g., pressingthe menu area on the rotational input of the remote control device 108.

Selecting the record all icon 1056 causes the media processing system100 to record episodes in a program series or record daily broadcasts ofa program. Selecting the related icon 1058 provides additionalinformation within the action menu 1052 related to program artists,program creators, content, etc. Selecting the delete icon 1060 placesthe recorded program in a trash store. A user may later empty the trashstore to delete the recorded program. Pressing the menu area on therotational input device 109 of the remote control device 108 returns tothe recording navigation menu 1002 of FIG. 23.

FIG. 26 is a screenshot 1070 of another example recording navigationmenu 1072. The screenshot 1070 can be generated, for example, by theprocessing device 102, the UI engine 112, and the recording engine 114of FIGS. 1A or 1B. The recording menu items 1074 can include informationfor a single recording or information for a collection of recordings.For example, the recording menu item 1076 includes information for onerecorded television program, while the recording menu item 1078 storesinformation for 16 recorded items. A glow highlight 1080 indicates ahighlighted recording menu item 1076, and an information panel 1082corresponding to the highlighted menu item 1076 is displayed adjacentthe recording menu items 1074. In one implementation, the recordingnavigation menu 1072 can be generated by pressing the forward/next areaon the rotational input device 109 of the remote control device 108 whenthe recordings menu 1004 is displayed adjacent the video environment902.

FIG. 27 is a screenshot 1100 of video data displayed in a videoenvironment 902 and including an example browse navigation menu 1102.The screenshot 1100 can be generated, for example, by the processingdevice 102, the UI engine 112, and the browse engine 118 of FIGS. 1A or1B. The browse navigation menu 1002 can be generated, for example, byselecting the browse icon 834 in the menu overlay 822. The browsenavigation menu 1102 includes playlists 1104. In one implementation, theplaylists 1104 define video content categories. The playlists 1104 caninclude queries that search metadata associated with the video data. Aplaylist, such as playlist 1106, can be highlighted by a glow highlight1124.

The playlists 1104 can also include an identifier to identify whetherthe playlist is system-defined or user-defined. For example, playlists1108, 1110, and 1112 include system-defined identifiers 1109, 1111, and1113, and playlists 1114, 1116, and 1118 include user-definedidentifiers 1115, 1117, and 1119. The identifiers can be based on colorand/or shape.

A system-defined playlist can be a playlist that is predetermined orincludes preconfigured search logic or filters. For example, theplaylist 1108 generates a list of high definitions programs, theplaylist 1110 generates a list of movies; and the playlist 1112generates a list of suggested programs that can be based on a viewer'sviewing habits.

A user-defined playlist can be a playlist that is defined by the user.For example, the playlist 1114 can generate a list of games for a sportsteam; the playlist 1116 can generate a list of science programming on aparticular broadcast network; and the playlist 1118 can generate a listof favorite programs that are specified by a user.

The playlists 1104 can also be based on genres. For example, theplaylists 1120 and 1122 are based on action and animated genres,respectively.

In one implementation, the playlists 1104 can be configured to generatelists based on programs that are to be broadcast. In anotherimplementation, the playlists 1104 can be configured to generate listsbased on programs that are recorded and stored in a data store or aremote store. In yet another implementation, the playlists 1104 can beconfigured to generate lists based on both programs to be broadcast andprograms that are stored in the data store. In still anotherimplementation, the playlists 1104 can be configured to generate a listof programs available for purchase and that satisfy a search criteria.Creation, navigation and selection of the playlists 1104 can beaccomplished by use of the rotational input device 109 on the remotecontrol device 108, or by other input devices.

FIG. 28 is a screenshot 1140 of video data including an example list1142 of programs corresponding to a selected playlist. The screenshot1140 can be generated, for example, by the processing device 102, the UIengine 112, and the browse engine 118 of FIGS. 1A and 1B. The programlist 1142 includes a list of playlist menu items 1144. The exampleplaylist menu items 1144 are generated by selecting the playlist 1110 ofFIG. 27 and correspond to movies that are currently being broadcast orto be broadcast within a certain time period, e.g., within 24 hours. Aplaylist menu item may be highlighted for selection, such as theplaylist menu item 1146, which is highlighted by a glow highlight 1148.

FIG. 29 is a screenshot 1160 of video data displayed in a videoenvironment 902 and including an example search navigation menu 1162.The screenshot 1160 can be generated, for example, by the processingdevice 102, the UI engine 112, and the search engine 120 of FIGS. 1A or1B. The search navigation menu 1162 can be generated, for example, byselecting the search icon 836 in the menu overlay 822. The search menu1162 includes a character set 1164 mapped onto a multidimensionalsurface 1166, e.g., a cylindrical surface. In one implementation, themultidimensional surface is transparent, e.g., a displacement surface asindicated by the dashed phantom lines of FIG. 29.

A highlight zone 1168 is generated, and the character mappedmultidimensional surface 1166 rotates through the highlight zone 1168.In one implementation, the highlight zone 1168 resembles a spotlightartifact. When a mapped character is within the highlight zone 1168, itis highlighted as an input character. As shown in FIG. 29, the character“A” is the current input character. In one implementation, an audiosignal is generated as a character is highlighted. The audio signal canbe a click, a short musical tone, or some other audio signal.

The multidimensional surface 1166 may be rotated in accordance with auser input. In one implementation, a rotational actuation of therotational input device 109 causes a corresponding rotation of themultidimensional surface 1166. Pressing a select area on the rotationalinput device 109 causes the input character to be entered into a searchfield 1170.

Providing a rotational input on the rotational input device (e.g.,moving a fingertip on the surface of the rational input device in acircular motion) of the remote control device 108 causes themultidimensional surface 1166 to rotate accordingly. The speed ofrotation may be proportional to the rate of rotation or to the magnitudeof angular deflection from a reference point.

In one implementation, upon entry of an input character into the searchfield 1170, a metadata search is performed, and the results aredisplayed. Entry of additional characters can further refine the search.FIG. 30 is a screenshot 1190 of video data including search results 1192displayed in the search navigation menu 1162. The screenshot 1190 can begenerated, for example, by the processing device 102, the UI engine 112,and the search engine 120 of FIGS. 1A or 1B. As shown in FIG. 30, theinput character 1194, e.g., “W,” causes a search engine to generate thesearch results 1192.

FIG. 31 is a screenshot 1210 of video data including further searchresults menu items 1212 displayed in the search navigation menu 1162.The screenshot 1210 can be generated, for example, by the processingdevice 120, the UI engine 112, and the search engine 120 of FIGS. 1A and1B. The input characters 1214, e.g., “WILL,” have caused the searchengine to generate a list of refined search result menu items 1212.Additionally, the multidimensional surface 1166 and mapped characters1164 are no longer displayed, as the search result menu item 1216 hasbeen highlighted by the glow highlight 1218. Such highlightingrepresents that navigation functions are now focused on the searchresults 1212. In one implementation, a user may focus navigation on thesearch results by pressing the play/pause area on the rotational inputdevice 109 of the remote control device 108.

The search result menu items 1212 can include information for a singlerecording or information for a collection of recordings or broadcasts.For example, the search result menu item 1216 includes information forone television program, while the search result menu item 1220 includesinformation for 16 items.

FIG. 32 is a screenshot 1230 of video data including an example searchmenu 1232 including search results menu items 1234. The screenshot 1230can be generated, for example, by the processing device 102, the UIengine 112, and the search engine 120 of FIGS. 1A or 1B. The searchresults menu items 1234 corresponds to the items referenced in thesearch results menu item 1230. The search results menu item 1236 ishighlighted by the glow highlight 1238.

FIG. 33 is a screenshot 1250 of video data including an example actionmenu 1252 for a selected search result. The screenshot 1250 can begenerated, for example, by the processing device 102, the UI engine 112,and the search engine 120 of FIGS. 1A or 1B. The action menu 1252includes information about the program corresponding to the selectedsearch result, e.g., search result 1236 of FIG. 32, and includes arecord icon 1254, a record all icon 1256, and a related icon 1258.Selecting the record icon 1254 causes the program to be recorded whenbroadcast. Selecting the record all icon 1256 causes the mediaprocessing system 100 to record episodes in a program series or recorddaily broadcasts of a program. Selecting the related icon 1258 providesadditional information within the action menu 1052 related to programartists, program creators, content, etc.

The example screenshot 1250 of FIG. 33 corresponds to a program to bebroadcast. Had the search result 1236 of FIG. 32 corresponded to arecorded program, a play icon and a trash icon would have been generatedin the action menu 1252, and the record icon 1254 would not begenerated.

In another implementation, the search engine 120 performs searches thatare system-wide and not limited to recordings, or upcoming programs, orother defined data sets. For example, a search term or string cangenerate search results related to recordings, programs to be recorded,broadcast schedules, and playlists. For example, the search term “Will”can generate a list of recordings, e.g., recorded episodes of “Will andGrace” and the recorded movie “Good Will Hunting,” a recording schedulefor upcoming episodes of “Will and Grace ” that are to be recorded, abroadcast schedule for “Will and Grace,” and a playlist that includesresults related to the search term “Will.”

FIG. 34 is an example state table 1300 for a received context. The statetable 1300 defines state transitions in response to remote controldevice actions during a received context and during a normal playingstate. An example normal playing state in a received context is viewinga broadcast video program as it is received.

The remote action column lists remote actions that during the receivedcontext and normal playing state will cause a state transition. A rotateaction, e.g., a rotational actuation of the rotational input device 109of the remote control device 108, changes the state to a transportcontrol state, which is described with reference to FIGS. 35-39 below.

A click left action, e.g. pressing and then releasing thereverse/previous area on the rotational input device 109 of the remotecontrol device 108, changes to a previous channel.

A hold left action, e.g., pressing and holding the reverse/previous areaon the rotational input device 109 of the remote control device 108,accesses the video data corresponding to a time that is, for example, 10seconds previous.

A click right action, e.g. pressing and then releasing the forward/nextarea on the rotational input device 109 of the remote control device108, changes to a next channel.

A hold right action, e.g., pressing and holding the forward/next area onthe rotational input device 109 of the remote control device 108,accesses the video data beginning at a time that is, for example, 30seconds forward in time from the currently accessed video data, oraccesses the most recently stored video data if the video data currentlyaccessed is less than 30 seconds prior in time from the most recentlystored video data.

A click up action, e.g., pressing and then releasing the menu area onthe rotational input device 109 of the remote control device 108,generates an onscreen menu, e.g., the menu overlay 822.

A click down action, e.g., pressing and then releasing the play/pausearea on the rotational input device 109 of the remote control device108, pauses the video data being displayed and generates an informationoverlay and a transport bar, e.g., the information overlay 802 andtransport bar 722.

A select action, e.g., pressing and then releasing the select area onthe rotational input device 109 of the remote control device 108,generates the information overlay, e.g., the information overlay 802.

FIG. 35 is an example state table 1320 for a transport control state. Atransport control state allows a user to transport through the videodata in a forward or reverse direction based on a series of actuations.The state table 1320 defines state transitions in response to remotecontrol device actions during a received context or a playback context,and during the transport control state. In one implementation, thetransport control state is maintained only during the duration of atouch actuation.

A rotate action, e.g., a rotational actuation of the rotational inputdevice 109 of the remote control device 108, causes the video data to beaccessed at a proportional forward or reverse rate. In oneimplementation, a slow rotational actuation causes a frame-by-frameforward or reverse access, and the forward or reverse access is furtherexponentially proportional to the speed of the rotational actuation. Inanother implementation, a small angular deflection from a referenceposition causes a frame-by-frame forward or reverse access, and theforward or reverse access is further exponentially proportional to themagnitude of the angular deflection. Other access rate processes mayalso be used.

Maintaining the actuation maintains the transport control state, anceasing the actuation, e.g., lifting a finger off the rotational inputdevice 109 of the remote control device 108, reverts back to the normalplaying state, and the video data is processed beginning at the videodata last accessed during the transport control state.

The transport control state thus provides an intuitive and simple accessprocess for a user, and can be invoked by, for example, simply byplacing a finger on an input device 109 and rotating the finger in aclockwise or counterclockwise direction. The user may thus quickly andeasily access video data without the need to separately select pause,forward or reverse controls, and may resume a normal playing state bysimply lifting a finger off the rotational input device 109.

FIG. 36 is a flow diagram of an example transport control process 1340.Stage 1342 presents media data in a first presentation state. Forexample, video data may be processed by a video processing system, suchas the media processing system 100, and be output to a display device.

Stage 1344 senses an actuation of a rotational input device during thefirst presentation state. For example, a user may touch the rotationalinput device 109 on the remote control device 108.

Stage 1346 determines if the actuation exceeds an actuation threshold.For example, the control engine 110 and/or the processing device 102 candetermine if an actuation exceeds a rotational threshold, a timethreshold, or some other threshold. If the actuation does not exceed anactuation threshold, then the process returns to stage 1344.

If the actuation does exceed an actuation threshold, then stage 1348presents the media data in a second presentation state. For example, theUI engine 112 and/or the processing device 102 can present the videodata in the transport state if the actuation exceeds the actuationthreshold.

Stage 1350 determines if the actuation is maintained. For example, thecontrol engine 110 and/or the processing device 102 can determine if thetouch actuation has ceased. If the touch actuation has not ceased, thenthe process returns to stage 1348. If the actuation has ceased, then theprocess returns to stage 1342.

FIG. 37 is a flow diagram of an example transport control access process1370. The example transport control access process 1370 can be utilizedto access media data during the transport control state.

Stage 1372 determines if a direction of actuation, e.g., if a rotationalactuation is counterclockwise, clockwise, or stationary. For example,the control engine 110 and/or the processing device 102 can determine ifthe remote control signals received from the remote control device 108correspond to a counterclockwise, clockwise, or stationary rotationalactuation.

If the actuation is in a first direct, e.g., counterclockwise, thenstage 1374 presents the media data at a reverse rate. The reverse ratecan be proportional to the rate of counterclockwise rotationalactuation. For example, the UI engine 112 and/or the processing device102 can access the video data and present the video data at a reverserate that is exponentially proportional to the rate of counterclockwiserotational actuation.

If the actuation is in a second direction, e.g., clockwise, then stag1376 presents the media data at a forward rate. The forward rate can beproportional to the rate of clockwise rotational actuation. For example,the UI engine 112 and/or the processing device 102 can access the videodata and present the video data at a forward rate that is exponentiallyproportional to the rate of clockwise rotational actuation.

If the actuation does not have a directional component, e.g., the actioncorresponds to a stationary digit on a rotational input, then stage 1378presents the media data in a paused state. For example, the UI engine112 and/or the processing device 102 can access the video data andpresent the video data at a paused state, e.g., display one frame ofvideo data.

Other transport control access processes may also be used. For example,media data access may be based on an angular displacement from areference position, or based on some other access process.

FIG. 38 is a flow diagram of an example transport control actuationprocess 1390. The transport control actuation process 1390 can beutilized to determine if an actuation exceeds an actuation threshold.

Stage 1392 senses an initial touch actuation, e.g., a touch actuation.For example, the remote control device 108 may generate a control signalindicating that a user's finger has been placed on the surface of therotational input device 109.

Stage 1394 determines if the actuation exceeds a first threshold, e.g.,a time period. For example, the control engine 110 and/or processingdevice 102 may determine if the touch actuation is maintained for aperiod of time, e.g., one second. If the actuation exceeds the secondthreshold, then stage 1396 determines that the activation threshold isexceeded, and the transport control state is invoked.

If the actuation does not exceed the time period, then stage 1398determines if the actuation exceeds a second threshold, e.g., an angularthreshold. For example, the control engine 110 and/or processing device102 may determine if the touch actuation is a rotational actuation thatrotates beyond a threshold, e.g., 15 degrees. If the touch actuationexceeds the angular threshold, then stag 1396 determines that theactivation threshold is exceeded, and the transport control state isinvoked.

If the touch actuation does not exceed the second threshold, then stage1400 determines if the actuation is maintained. For example, the controlengine 110 and/or the processing device 102 can determine if the touchactuation has ceased. If the actuation has not ceased, then the processreturns to stage 1394. If the actuation has ceased, then the processreturns to stage 1392.

FIG. 39 is a flow diagram of an example transport control cessationprocess 1420. The transport control cessation process 1420 can be usedto determine if an actuation is maintained or has ceased.

Stage 1422 senses an initial cessation of an actuation. For example, theremote control device 108 can generate a control signal indicating thata user's finger has been removed from the surface of the rotationalinput device 109.

Stage 1424 determines if another actuation occurs within a time period.For example, the control engine 110 and/or processing device 102 candetermine whether the remote control device 108 generates a controlsignal indicating that a user's finger has been placed on the surface ofthe rotational input device 109 within a time period, e.g., 200milliseconds, after sensing the initial cessation of the touchactuation.

If another actuation does not occur within the time period, then stage1426 determines that the actuation has ceased. Conversely, if anotheractuation does occur within the time period, then stage 1428 determinesthat the actuation is maintained.

In another implementation, an actuation is determined to have ceasedupon sensing an initial cessation of the actuation.

FIG. 40 is an example state table 1450 for an onscreen menu state in areceived context. The state table 1450 defines state transitions inresponse to remote control device actions during a received context whenan onscreen menu, e.g., menu overlay 822, is present.

A rotate action changes a highlight selection in an onscreen menu. Forexample, a rotational actuation can be used to selectively highlighticons 828, 830, 832, 834, 836 and 838 in the menu overlay 822.

A click up/menu action dismisses the onscreen menu. A select actionselects a highlighted icon and performs as associated process. Forexample, selecting the recording navigation icon 830 causes therecordings navigation menu 1002 to be generated; selecting the channelsnavigation icon 832 causes the channels navigation menu to be generated;selecting the browse navigation icon 834 causes the browse navigationmenu 1102 to be generated; and selecting the search navigation icon 836causes the search navigation menu 1162 to be generated.

FIG. 41 is a flow diagram of an example onscreen menu process 1470. Inone implementation, the onscreen menu process 1470 can be invoked bymenu action on the rotational input device 109 to generate the menuoverlay 822 and icons 828, 830, 832, 834, 836 and 838 as shown in FIG.13.

Stage 1472 displays video in one of a plurality of contexts in a videoenvironment. For example, the UI engine 112 and/or processing device 102can display video in a full-screen environment in either areceived/broadcast context or a recording/playback context.

Stage 1474 receives a menu command. For example, the remote control 108can transmit a menu command to the controller engine and/or processingdevice 102.

Stage 1476 generates a menu overlay within the video environment andmaintains the video environment. For example, the UI engine 112 and/orthe processing device 102 can generate a translucent menu overlay 822.

Stage 1478 generates one or more context icons based on the context ofthe displayed video. For example, in the received context, the UI engine112 and/or the processing device 102 can generate a record icon 838, andin the playback context, a delete icon 862 can be generated.

Stage 1480 generates one or more navigation icons. For example, the UIengine 112 and/or the processing device 102 can generate the navigationicons 828, 830, 832, 834 and 836 in the menu overlay 822.

FIG. 42 is a flow diagram of another example onscreen menu process 1500.In one implementation, the onscreen menu process 1500 can be invoked bymenu action on the rotational input device 109 to generate the menuoverlay 882 and icons as shown in FIG. 16.

Stage 1502 displays video in one of a plurality of contexts in a videoenvironment. For example, the UI engine 112 and/or processing device 102can display video in a full-screen environment in either areceived/broadcast context or a recording/playback context.

Stage 1504 receives a menu command. For example, the remote control 108can transmit a menu command to the controller engine 110 and/orprocessing device 102.

Stage 1506 scales the video environment into a video subsection withinthe display area. For example, the UI engine 112 and/or the processingdevice 102 can scale the video environment as shown in FIG. 16.

Stage 1508 generates a video reflection adjacent the video subsectionwithin the display area. For example, the UI engine 112 and/or theprocessing device 102 can generate a video reflection adjacent the videosubsection within the display area as shown in FIG. 16.

Stage 1510 generates a video menu within the display area and overlayingthe video reflection. For example, the UI engine 112 and/or theprocessing device 102 can generate the menu overlay 882 as shown in FIG.16.

Stage 1512 generates a context icon based on the one of the plurality ofcontexts that the video is displayed. For example, in the receivedcontext, the UI engine 112 and/or the processing device 102 can generatea record icon and in the playback context, a delete icon can begenerated.

FIG. 43 is an example state table 1520 for a pause state in a receivedcontext. The state table 1520 defines state transitions in response toremote control device actions received during a received context andwhile in a paused state.

A rotate action causes a scrub or job of the video data. For example, arotational actuation in the clockwise direction scrubs forward throughthe video data, and a rotational actuation in the counterclockwisedirection scrubs backward through the video data.

A click left action changes to a previous channel. In oneimplementation, the video data corresponding to the previous channels ispresented in a paused state.

A hold left action accesses the video data corresponding to a time thatis, for example, 10 seconds previous.

A click right action changes to a next channel. In one implementation,the video data corresponding to the next channels is presented in apaused state.

A hold right action accesses the video data beginning at a time that is,for example, 30 seconds forward in time from the currently accessedvideo data, or accesses the most recently stored video data if the videodata currently accessed is less than 30 seconds prior in time from themost recently stored video data.

A click up/menu action dismisses an information overlay, e.g. theinformation overlay 802, if the information overlay is displayed.

A click down action reverts to the normal playing state. In oneimplementation, an information overlay and/or transport bar is presentduring the pause state, and the information overlay and/or transport barfades out after resuming the normal playing state.

A select action generates the information overlay if no informationoverlay is shown.

FIG. 44 is an example state table 1540 for an information overlay statein a received context. The state table 1540 defines state transitions inresponse to remote control device actions received during a receivedcontext and while an information overlay and transport bar is displayed,e.g., as shown in FIG. 12.

A rotate action causes the scrub or jog of the video data. For example,a rotational actuation in the clockwise direction scrubs forward throughthe video data, and a rotational actuation in the counterclockwisescrubs backward through the video data.

A click left action changes to a previous channel.

A hold left action accesses the video data corresponding to a time thatis, for example, 10 seconds previous.

A click right action changes to a next channel.

A bold right action accesses the video data beginning at a time that is,for example, 30 seconds forward in time from the currently accessedvideo data, or accesses the most recently stored video data if the videodata currently accessed is less than 30 seconds prior in time from themost recently stored video data.

A click up/menu action dismisses the information overlay.

A click down action pauses the displaying of the video data.

FIG. 45 is an example state table 1560 for a channel list state in areceived context. The state table 1560 defines state transitions inresponse to remote control device actions received during a receivedcontext and while a channel navigation menu is displayed, e.g., channelnavigation menu 904 of FIG. 17A.

A rotate action moves up or down the channel list. For example, arotational actuation in the clockwise direction moves the channel menuitems 912 down and thus highlights channel menu items in descendingorder, and a rotational actuation in the counterclockwise directionmoves the channel menu 912 up and thus highlights channel menu items inascending order.

Maintaining a touch actuation, e.g., maintaining a touch of therotational input device 109 of the remote control device 108 after arotational actuation, causes a delay in the generation of a preview in ahighlighted channel menu item.

Ceasing a touch actuation, e.g., lifting a finger off the rotationalinput device 109 of the remote control device 108, causes the generationof a preview in a highlighted channel menu item.

A hold left action rotates the channel navigation menu to the recordingsnavigation menu. For example, a hold left action causes the channelnavigation menu 904 of FIG. 17A to rotate and show the recordingsnavigation menu 1002 of FIG. 22. Thus, the user need not revert in ahierarchical menu tree to change navigation menus, e.g., the user neednot revert to the menu overlay 822 and then highlight and select therecordings navigation icon 830.

A click right action generates a full screen channel navigation menu.For example, a click right action causes a transition to the channelnavigation menu 982 of FIG. 21.

A hold right action rotates the channel navigation menu to the browsenavigation menu. For example, a hold right action causes the channelnavigation menu 904 of FIG. 17A to rotate and show the browse navigationmenu 1102 of FIG. 27.

A click up action dismisses the channels navigation menu 904.

A select action changes the channel to the currently highlightedchannel. For example, pressing the select area on the rotational inputof the remote control device 108 changes the channel to the channelcorresponding to the highlighted channel menu item 918 of FIG. 17A.

FIG. 46 is an example state table 1580 for a recordings list state in areceived context. The state table 1580 defines state transitions inresponse to remote control device actions. received during a receivedcontext and while a recordings navigation menu is displayed, e.g.,recordings navigation menu 1002 of FIG. 22.

A rotate action moves up or down the recordings list. For example, arotational actuation in the clockwise direction moves the recording menuitems 1016 down, and a rotational actuation to the counterclockwisedirection moves the recording menu items 1016 up, and the menu items arehighlighted accordingly.

A hold left action rotates the recordings navigation menu to a searchnavigation menu. For example, a hold left action causes the recordingsnavigation menu 1002 of FIG. 22 to rotate and show the search navigationmenu 1162 of FIG. 29.

A hold right action rotates the recordings navigation menu to thechannels navigation menu. For example, a hold right action causes therecordings navigation menu 1102 to rotate to the channels navigationmenu 904 of FIG. 17A.

A click up action dismisses the recordings navigation menu 1002.

A click down action plays the recorded program corresponding to thehighlighted recording menu item if the recording menu item is not afolder menu item.

A select action generates an action menu for a highlighted recordingmenu item that includes information for a single recording (e.g.,recording menu item 1004 of FIG. 22), or generates additional menu itemsfor recording menu items corresponding to a collection of recordings(e.g., recording menu item 1010 of FIG. 22).

FIG. 47 is an example state table 1600 for a recordings list state in areceived context. The state table 1600 defines state transitions inresponse to remote control device actions received during a receivedcontext and while a recordings navigation menu within a collection ofrecordings is displayed, e.g., recordings menu item 1002 of FIG. 24.

A route action moves up or down the recordings list. For example, arotational actuation in the clockwise direction moves the recording menuitems 1032 down, and a rotational actuation in the counterclockwisedirection moves the recording menu items 1032 up, and the menu items arehighlighted accordingly.

A hold left action rotates the recordings navigation menu to a searchnavigation menu. For example, a hold left action causes the recordingsnavigation menu 1002 of FIG. 22 to rotate and show the search navigationmenu 1162 of FIG. 29.

A hold right action rotates the recordings navigation menu to thechannels navigation menu. For example, a hold right action causes therecordings navigation menu 1102 to rotate to the channels navigationmenu 904 of FIG. 17A.

A click up action reverts to the state described in state table 1580 ofFIG. 46.

A click down action plays the recorded program corresponding to thehighlighted recording menu item.

A select action generates an action menu. For example, a select actioncan generate the action menu 1052 of FIG. 25 that corresponds to arecorded program.

FIG. 48 is an example state table 1620 for a search state in a receivedcontext. The state table 1620 defines state transitions in response toremote control device actions received during a received context andwhile a search navigation menu for character input is displayed, e.g.,the search navigation menu 1162 of FIG. 29.

A rotate action rotates through an alphabetical list of characters. Forexample, a rotational actuation of the rotational input device of theremote control device 108 rotates the rotation of the multidimensionalsurface 1166 of FIG. 29.

A click left action deletes an input character currently entered in asearch field, e.g., search field 1170.

A click up action dismisses the search navigation menu. For example, aclick up action can return to the menu overlay 822 of FIG. 13.

A click down action focuses on the search results. For example, a clickdown action can focus on the search results 1212 of FIG. 31.

A select action enters an input character into a search field. Forexample, a selection action can enter the highlighted input character“W” into the search field 1170, as shown in FIG 30

FIG. 49 is an example state table 1640 for a search state in a receivedcontext. The state table 1640 defines state transitions in response toremote control device actions received during a received context andwhile a focus on search results is displayed, e.g., search results 1212of FIG. 31.

A rotate action moves up or down the search results list. For example, arotational actuation in the clockwise direction moves the search resultslist 1212 down, and a rotational actuation in the counterclockwisedirection moves the search results list 1212 up, and the menu items arehighlighted accordingly.

A hold left action rotates the search results navigation menu to abrowse navigation menu, e.g., browse navigation menu 1102 of FIG. 27.

A hold right action rotates the search results navigation menu to arecordings navigation menu, e.g., recordings navigation menu 1002 ofFIG. 22.

A click up action reverts to the state described in state table 1620 ofFIG. 48.

A hold up action dismisses the input characters and reverts to the statedescribed in state table 1620 of FIG. 48.

A click down action either receives a broadcast program, if thebroadcast program is currently being broadcast, or plays a recordedprogram corresponding to the highlighted search menu item.

A select action generates an action menu for a highlighted search menuitem that includes information for a single item (e.g., search menu item1216 of FIG. 31), or generates additional menu items for search menuitems corresponding to a collection of search results (e.g., search menuitem 1220 of FIG. 31).

FIG. 50 is an example state table 1660 for a browse state in a receivedcontext. The state table 1660 defines state transitions in response toremote control device actions received during a received context andwhile a browse menu is displayed, e.g., browse menu 1102 of FIG. 27.

A rotate action moves up or down the search browse list. For example, arotational actuation in the clockwise direction moves the browse list1104 down, and a rotational actuation in the counterclockwise directionmoves the browse list 1104 up, and the menu items are highlightedaccordingly.

A hold left action rotate the browse navigation menu to a channelsnavigation menu, e.g., channels navigation menu 904 of FIG. 17A.

A hold right action rotates the browse navigation menu to a searchnavigation menu, e.g., search navigation menu 1062 of FIG. 29.

A click up action dismisses the browse navigation menu. For example, aclick up action can return to the menu overlay 822 of FIG. 13.

A click down action either receives a broadcast program, if thebroadcast program is currently being broadcast, or plays a recordedprogram corresponding to the highlighted menu item.

A select action generates an action menu for a highlighted menu itemthat includes information for a single item (e.g., browse menu item 1146of FIG. 28), or generates additional menu items for browse menu itemscorresponding to a collection of search results.

FIG. 51 is an example state table 1680 for a playback state in aplayback context. The state table 1680 defines state transitions inresponse to remote control device actions received during a playbackcontext while a video is played back.

A rotate action changes the state to a transport control state, which isdescribed with respect to FIGS. 35-39 above.

A hold left action accesses the video data corresponding to a time thatis, for example, 10 seconds previous.

A hold right action accesses the video data beginning at a time that is,for example, 30 seconds in the future.

A click up action generates an onscreen menu, e.g., the menu overlay822.

A click down action pauses the video data being displayed and generatesan information overlay and a transport bar, e.g., the informationoverlay 802 and transport bar 722.

A select action generates the information overlay, e.g., the informationoverlay 802.

FIG. 52 is an example state table 1700 for a paused state in a playbackcontext. The state table 1700 defines state transitions in response toremote control device actions received during a playback context andwhile in a paused state.

A rotate action changes the state to a transport control state.

A click left action reverses the paused video data by one frame.

A hold left action accesses the video data corresponding to a time thatis, for example, 10 seconds previous.

A click right action advances the paused video data by one frame.

A hold right action accesses the video data beginning at a time that is,for example, 30 seconds in the future.

A click up action generates an onscreen menu, e.g., the menu overlay822.

A click down action reverts to the play state of state table 1680 ofFIG. 51.

A select action generates the information overlay, e.g., the informationoverlay 802.

The state tables 1300, 1320, 1450, 1520, 1540, 1560, 1580, 1600, 16201640, 1660, 1680 and 1700 are example implementations for navigatingvarious menu interfaces through use of a rotational input device 109.Other implementations can include additional state transitions.Additional, the systems and methods herein may be implemented in aremote control device with other user inputs in additional to arotational input, e.g., buttons that are separate from the rotationalinput device 109 and included on the remote control device 108. Thus,some of the user interface functions can be redundantly implemented orseparately implemented by other inputs. For example, a remote controldevice 108 may also include a pair of “Channel UP” and “Channel Down”buttons in addition to the rotational input device 109.

FIG. 53 is a flow diagram of an example navigation menu process 1700. Inone implementation, the navigation menu process 1700 can be invoked by aselect action for a highlighted navigation icon in the onscreen menustate to generate one of the recordings navigation menu 1002, channelsnavigation menu 904, browse navigation menu 1102, or search navigationmenu 1162.

Stage 1722 displays video in a first environment. For example, the videomay be displayed in the environment 702 of FIG. 13.

Stage 1724 receives a command to display a navigation menu. For example,the remote control 108 can transmit a navigation menu command to thecontroller engine 110 and/or processing device 102. The navigation menucommand may correspond to a selection of one of the navigation icons830, 832, 834, and 836.

Stage 1726 displays the video in a video environment that is a scale ofthe video environment, e.g., a perspective scale, and that defines aspace. For example, the UI engine 112 and/or the processing device 102may cause the video to be displayed in the video environment 902 of FIG.17A, which defines the spaces 910.

Stage 1728 generates a navigation menu within the space. For example,the UI engine 112, in conjunction with one of the recording engine 114,channel engine 116, browse engine 118 or search engine 120 and/or theprocessing device 102 may generate the recordings navigation menu 1002,the channels navigation menu 904, the browse navigation menu 1102, orthe search navigation menu 1162 within the space 910 depending on theselection of one of navigation icons 830, 832, 834, and 836.

FIG. 54 is a flow diagram of an example channels navigation menu process1740. In one implementation, the channels navigation menu process 1740can be used to generate and navigate the channels menu 904 of FIG. 17A.

Stage 1742 generates channel menu items with a menu space. For example,the UI engine 112, the channel engine 118 and/or the processing device102 can generate the channel menu items 912 of FIG. 17A in the space910.

Stage 1744 receives a command for a first selection of a channel menuitem. For example the UI engine 112, the channel engine 118 and/or theprocessing device 102 can generate a glow highlight beneath a channelmenu item, such as the glow highlight 920 beneath the channel menu item918 in FIG. 17A.

Stage 1746 determines if additional commands are received within a timeperiod. For example, the control engine 110 and/or the processing device102 may determine if any additional commands are received from theremote control device 108 during, for example, a three second periodafter a first selection of a channel menu item.

If additional commands are received within a time period, then stage1748 processes the commands. For example, if a user continues to scrollthrough the channel menu items 912, the remote control device 108 willgenerate additional commands as the user actuates the rotational inputdevice 109.

If additional commands are not received within a time period, then stage1750 generate a video preview of a channel corresponding to the selectedmenu item within the selected menu item. For example, the UI engine 112,the channel engine 118 and/or the processing device 102 can generate thepreview 944 in the highlighted menu item 918 of FIG. 19 if the menu item918 is highlighted, for example, for three seconds and no additionalcommands are received.

The channels navigation menu process 1740 may also be applied in asimilar manner to generate previews for recording menu items, browsemenu items, and search menu items.

FIG. 55 is a flow diagram of an example playlist process 1770. In oneimplementation, the playlist process 1770 may be used to generate thebrowse menu 1102 and playlists 1104 of FIG. 17A.

Stage 1772 associates categories with video playlists. For example, thecategories may be defined by metadata searches, or may be predefinedaccording pre-existing categories, e.g., drama, comedy, news, etc. ormay be defined by the user, e.g., “Kathy's Favs.” The categories andsearches may be associated with playlists and stored in a data store,such as the data store 104 of FIGS. 1A or 1B.

Stage 1774 displays a video event in a video environment defining aperspective display. For example, the UI engine 112 and/or theprocessing device 102 can display the video event in the environment 902of FIG. 27.

Stage 1776 displays the playlists according to the associated categoriesin proximity to (e.g., adjacent) the video environment. For example, theUI engine 112, the browse engine 118 and/or the processing device 102can display the playlists 1104 adjacent the video environment 902 ofFIG. 27.

Stage 1778 identifies corresponding video events for a selectedplaylist. For example, the browse engine 118 can identify movies for thecorresponding playlist 1110 of FIG. 27.

Stage 1780 displays a list of the corresponding video events inproximity to the video environment. For example, the UI engine 112, thebrowse engine 118 and/or the processing device 102 can display the videoevents 1144 of FIG. 28 adjacent the video environment 902.

FIG. 56 is a flow diagram of another example playlist process 1800. Theplaylist process 1800 can be utilized to define separate playlists forbroadcast video data and recorded video data. Stage 1802 configures afirst playlist for searching the video metadata of only broadcast videoevents, and stage 1804 configures a second playlist for searching thevideo metadata of only recorded video events. For example, the browseengine 118 can configure the first and second playlists for searchingbroadcast video events and recorded video events, respectively.

FIG. 57 is a flow diagram of an example search menu process 1820. In oneimplementation, the search menu process 1800 may be used to generate thesearch navigation menu 1162 of FIG. 29.

Stage 1822 defines a surface, such as a multidimensional surface. Forexample, the UI engine 112, search engine 120 and/or processing device102 can define a cylindrical displacement surface 1166 as shown in FIG.29.

Stage 1824 maps input characters onto the surface. For example, the UIengine 112, search engine 120 and/or processing device 102 can mapletters and numerals onto the cylindrical displacement surface 1166, asshown in FIG. 29.

Stage 1826 generates a highlight zone through which the surface rotates.For example, the UI engine 112, search engine 120 and/or processingdevice 102 can generate the highlight zone 1168 of FIG. 29.

Stage 1828 rotates the surface according to a first user input. Forexample, in response to a control signal generated by a rotationalactuation on a rotational input device 109 of the remote control device108, the UI engine 112, search engine 120 and/or processing device 102can rotate the cylindrical displacement surface 1166 of FIG. 29.

Optionally, stage 1830 highlights an input character when a portion ofthe surface on which the input character is mapped is within thehighlight zone. For example, the UI engine 112, search engine 120 and/orprocessing device 102 can highlight the letter “A” as shown in FIG. 29when the portion of the cylindrical displacement surface 1166 on whichthe letter “A” is mapped is within the highlight zone 1168.

The apparatus, methods, flow diagrams, and structure block diagramsdescribed in this patent document may be implemented in computerprocessing systems including program code comprising programinstructions that are executable by the computer processing system.Other implementation may also be used. Additionally, the flow diagramsand structure block diagrams described in this patent document, whichdescribe particular methods and/or corresponding acts in support ofsteps and corresponding functions in support of disclosed structuralmeans, may also be utilized to implement corresponding softwarestructures and algorithms, and equivalent thereof.

This written description sets forth the best mode of the invention andprovides examples to describe the invention and to enable a person ofordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention. This writtendescription does not limit the invention to the precise terms set forth.Thus, while the invention has been described in detail with reference tothe examples set forth above, those of ordinary skill in the art mayaffect alterations, modifications and variations to the examples withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention.

1. A method, comprising: displaying video in a first video environment;receiving a first command to display a navigation menu; in response tothe first command: displaying the video in a second video environmentthat is a perspective scale of the first video environment and thatdefines a space; and generating the navigation menu within the space. 2.The method of claim 1, wherein generating the navigation menu within thespace comprises: generating menu items within the space; selecting amenu item in response to a second command; and generating a glowhighlight beneath the selected menu item.
 3. The method of claim 1,wherein generating the navigation menu within the space comprises:generating channel menu items within the space; receiving a secondcommand; selecting a channel menu item in response to the secondcommand; determining if additional commands are received within a timeperiod following the reception of the second command; and if additionalcommands are not received within the time period following the receivingthe second command, then: generating a video preview of a channelcorresponding to the selected channel menu item.
 4. The method of claim3, wherein generating a video preview of a channel corresponding to theselected channel menu item comprises: expanding a dimension of thechannel menu item; and generating the video preview of the channelwithin the channel menu item.
 5. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising: receiving a second command; and expanding the navigationmenu to eliminate the displaying of the video in the second videoenvironment in response to the second command.
 6. The method of claim 1,wherein generating the navigation menu within the space comprises:generating recording menu items within the space; receiving a secondcommand; selecting a recording menu item in response to the secondcommand; determining if additional commands are received within a timeperiod following the selection of the recording menu item; and ifadditional commands are not received within the time, then: generating avideo preview of a video recording corresponding to the selectedrecording menu item.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein generating avideo preview of a video recording corresponding to the selectedrecording menu item comprises: expanding a dimension of the recordingmenu item; and generating the video preview of the channel within theselected recording menu item.
 8. The method of claim 7, whereingenerating a video preview of a video recording corresponding to theselected recording menu item comprises eliminating the video previewafter an expiration of a recording preview time period.
 9. The method ofclaim 6, further comprising: receiving a third command; generating anaction menu in response to the third command; and generating a pluralityof action icons within the action menu, each action icon representativeof a recording action related to the video recording corresponding tothe selected recording menu item.
 10. The method of claim 9, whereingenerating a plurality of action icons comprises: generating a play iconthat is selectable to play the video recording; generating a record iconthat is selectable to record video events that are related to the videorecording; and generating a browse icon that is selectable to displayinformation related to the video recording.
 11. The method of claim 1,wherein generating the navigation menu within the space comprises:generating recording menu items within the space; generating one of aprogram icon or a collection icon within a recording menu item;receiving a second command; selecting a recording menu item in responseto the second command; generating a video preview of a video recordingcorresponding to the selected recording menu item if the selectedrecording menu item includes a program icon generated therein; andgenerating additional recording menu items corresponding to the selectedrecording menu item if the selected recording menu item includes acollection icon generated therein.
 12. The method of claim 11, furthercomprising: generating additional recording menu items having additionalprogram icons generated therein corresponding to video recordingsrelated to the collection icon.
 13. The method of claim 1, whereingenerating the navigation menu within the space comprises: generating asearch input field; defining a multi-dimensional displacement surface;mapping input characters on the multi-dimensional displacement surface;generating a highlight region intersecting the multi-dimensionaldisplacement surface; rotating the displacement surface according to auser input; and highlighting input characters while the input charactersintersect the highlight region according to the rotation of themulti-dimensional displacement surface.
 14. The method of claim 13,further comprising: receiving a second command; and entering into thesearch input field the input character that is intersecting thehighlight region upon receiving the second command.
 15. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising: generating a video reflection of the videodisplayed in the second video environment on a side defined by thesecond video environment.
 16. A method, comprising: displaying a videoin a first video environment; receiving a first command to display anavigation menu; in response to the first command: displaying the videoin a second video environment that defines a space; and generatingnavigation menu items within the space; receiving a second command;selecting a navigation menu in response to the second command;determining if additional commands are received within a time periodfollowing the selection of the navigation menu item; and generating avideo preview of another video within the selected navigation menu itembased on the determination, the another video corresponding to theselected navigation menu item.
 17. The method of claim 16, furthercomprising: generating a glow highlight beneath the selected navigationmenu item.
 18. The method of claim 16, wherein the navigation menu itemcomprises a channel menu item.
 19. The method of claim 16, whereindisplaying the video in a second video environment that defines a spacecomprises generating the second video environment as a scaled version ofthe first video environment.
 20. The method of claim 16, whereindisplaying the video in a second video environment that defines a spacecomprises generating the second video environment as a subset of thefirst video environment.
 21. A video processing system, comprising: avideo input device to receive video data; a data store in communicationwith the video input device to store the video data; a handheld remoteincluding a rotational input to generate remote control signals; aprocessing device in communication with the video input device, the datastore, and the handheld remote, the processing device configured toprocess the video data and remote control signals and to display videoon a display device in a first video environment, and in response to afirst remote control signal generated by the handheld remote, displaythe video in a second video environment that is a perspective scale ofthe first video environment and that defines a space, and generate thenavigation menu within the space.
 22. The system of claim 21, whereinthe processing device is further configured to generate menu itemswithin the space, select a menu item in response to a second remotecontrol signal generated by the handheld remote, and generate a glowhighlight beneath the selected menu item.
 23. The system of claim 21,wherein the processing device is further configured to generate channelmenu items within the space, select a channel menu item in response to asecond remote control generated by the handheld remote, determine ifadditional remote control signals are received within a time periodfollowing the selection of the channel menu item, and generate a videopreview of a channel corresponding to the selected channel menu itembased on the determination.
 24. The system of claim 21, wherein theprocessing device is further configured to generate channel menu withinthe space, select a channel menu item in response to a second remotecontrol generated by the handheld remote, determine if an additionalremote control signal corresponding to a cessation of a touch actuationof the rotation input device is generated, and generate a video previewof a channel corresponding to the selected channel menu item based onthe determination.
 25. The system of claim 21, wherein the processingdevice is further configured to generate recording menu items within thespace, selecting a recording menu item in response to a second remotecontrol signal, determine if additional remote control signals arereceived within a time period following the selection of the recordingmenu item, and generate a video preview of a video recordingcorresponding to the selected recording menu item based on thedetermination.
 26. The system of claim 21, wherein the processing deviceis further configured to generate within the space a search input field,define a multi-dimensional displacement surface and render inputcharacters on the multi-dimensional displacement surface, rotate thedisplacement surface according to remote control signals generated bythe handheld remote, and highlight input characters while the inputcharacters intersect the highlight region according to the rotation ofthe multi-dimensional displacement surface.
 27. A video systemcomprising: means for performing a perspective transition of a videofrom a first video environment to a second video environment thatdefines a space and for generating a navigation menu in the space; andmeans for displaying video in the first video environment, fordisplaying video in the second video environment, and for displaying thenavigation menu in the space.
 28. A method comprising: displaying avideo in a first video environment; receiving a command to display anavigation menu; and responsive to the command, displaying the video ina second video environment, the second video environment including apresentation of the video in a perspective view relative to the displayof the video in the first video environment and including a space; anddisplaying the navigation menu in the space.
 29. The method claim 28,further comprising: generating menu items within the space; selecting amenu item in response to a second command; and generating a glowhighlight beneath the selected menu item.
 30. The method of claim 28,further comprising: generating channel menu items within the space;receiving a second command; selecting a channel menu item in response toa second command; determining if additional commands are received withina time period following the reception of the second command; andgenerating a video preview of a channel corresponding to the selectedchannel menu item if additional commands are not received within thetime period following the receiving the second command.
 31. A videosystem, comprising: a control engine configured to receive the inputcontrol signals and to generate control signals in response; and a userinterface engine in communication with the control engine and, inresponse to a control signal from the control engine, configured todisplay video on a display device in a first video environment, and inresponse to a first remote control signal generated by the handheldremote, display the video in a second video environment that is aperspective scale of the first video environment and that defines aspace, and generate the navigation menu within the space.
 32. The videosystem of claim 31, further comprising a channel engine configured toprocess channel menu items that are displayed in the navigation menu.33. The video system of claim 31, further comprising a recording engineconfigured to process recording menu items that are displayed in thenavigation menu.
 34. The video system of claim 31, further comprising abrowse engine configured to process playlist menu items that aredisplayed in the navigation menu.
 35. The video system of claim 31,further comprising a search engine configured to process search menuitems that are displayed in the navigation menu.